Jackson thrives as a veteran presence for women's hockey

OSHAWA, Ont. – Julia Jackson, a fourth-year veteran on the Ontario Tech women's hockey team, has proven herself one of the league's top athletes. 

Over the past two years, Jackson has been a key member of the women's hockey team, winning the Ridgebacks Women's Hockey MVP at the 2024 Ridgebacks Athletic Gala. This year, she was named Ontario Tech's Female Athlete of the Year after she dominated the ice, leading the OUA with 14 goals in 26 games and earning a spot as an OUA Second Team All-Star.

"This season was truly special, without a doubt, a highlight of my time at Ontario Tech. Leading the OUA in goals was an incredible personal milestone, but being recognized at the athletic banquet made it all feel even more meaningful," said Jackson. "It reminded me that the hard work behind the scenes, the early mornings, the offseason grind, and the adversity I've faced didn't go unnoticed. But beyond the stats and awards, what made this year so memorable was the fun we had as a team. We built something great with our group and coaches, and I'm proud of the season we put together."

The year started with a significant change as Justin Caruana stepped down after eight years of being the head coach of the Ridgebacks women's hockey program. Kassidy Nauboris, a former standout Ridgebacks hockey player, stepped into the head coach role as the first Ontario Tech graduate to be the head coach of a Ridgebacks program. ​​Having had a remarkable five-year career with the Ridgebacks and setting numerous school records, Nauboris brought a new perspective and a fresh approach to the women's hockey team's culture.

"It was amazing to see not only Kassidy grow into the role but also how our entire team bought in. From day one at training camp, you could feel that this group was committed," said Jackson.

Every early morning skate and team lift, they were locked in, and that kind of full-team buy-in made coming to the rink every day exciting. Jackson said that seeing their hard work translate to success in games was really rewarding.

This season, Jackson embraced her role as a third-year assistant captain by leading with passion, consistency, and a team-first mindset. For Jackson, "leadership isn't about titles". It is about showing up with purpose, bringing energy, and being someone her teammates can rely on in any situation. Whether it's supporting the younger players or stepping up when the team faces adversity, Jackson always believes that when a group is connected, working toward the same goal, and pushing each other every day, lifting each other up, that's when great things start to happen on and off the ice. 

"I take immense pride in the atmosphere we've built within our team. We're a group that's both intensely competitive and very supportive, where every player shows up with the drive to elevate those around them," said Jackson. "That kind of environment pushes me to be my best. Knowing my teammates trust me and believe in my abilities fuels my commitment to succeed, not just for myself but for them. Their support empowers me to step up when it counts and drives me to lead with purpose. I'm playing for a team that counts on me, and that's a responsibility I embrace fully."

Jackson will return for a fourth year next year and says she's excited to build on what they started this year.

"With Kassidy returning and our strong core group coming back, the potential is high," said Jackson. "We've created something special with this team, a group that shows up every day ready to compete, push each other, and have fun doing it. I'm looking forward to taking another step as a team and continuing to grow as a player and leader."